Factors Influencing Successful Breastfeeding: A Regional Survey and Comparative Review in European and Global Contexts.

Background/

Objectives

Breastfeeding is universally recognized as essential for neonatal health, offering benefits that extend into later life stages. The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for increasing access to effective, low-cost interventions that promote successful breastfeeding, such as skin-to-skin contact (SSC), kangaroo mother care (KMC), and rooming-in. This study aimed to assess the local context regarding the use and dissemination of practices such as prenatal classes, immediate and post-delivery SSC, rooming-in, and the management of discharge and post-discharge care.

Methods

This study is a cross-sectional survey across all 29 birth centers in two regions of Southern Italy. An online questionnaire was distributed to all neonatal units, and local data were compared with national, European, and global datasets.

Results

Childbirth preparation classes were offered by 38% of centers. Fifteen centers routinely implemented SSC in the first two hours postpartum, while 12 centers used SSC for a shorter duration. Rooming-in was practiced in all centers, with 8 of 29 centers (27.6%) offering it on a full 24 h basis. A brief postpartum follow-up dedicated to breastfeeding support was provided in 12 of 29 centers (41.4%), and 6 centers offered a dedicated telephone breastfeeding consultation service.

Conclusions

This survey confirmed the value of monitoring adherence to breastfeeding promotion practices at the regional level, within a broader national and global framework. Differences between units indicate the need for targeted interventions to implement all known, evidence-based methods for promoting breastfeeding initiation.